A complex mooring maneuver of the 'MSC Clorinda' has been successfully completed in the container port of Taranto on Oct 30. The vessel had suffered a breakdown of its main propulsion system, caused by a fire, which was promptly extinguished by the crew, that rendered the ship unable to continue its voyage under its own power. Arriving from Algeciras, the vessel was initially brought to the Taranto roadstead under tow by an ocean-going tug. Subsequently, local technical-nautical service providers managed its entry and safe positioning alongside the quay at the Multisectoral Pier, assisted by harbour tugs and under the guidance of two harbor pilots. All phases of the approach and the operational response were coordinated by the Port Captaincy, in synergy with the Port System Authority of the Ionian Sea. The arrival of the ship had been planned in advance through a dedicated working group. The authorisation process was initiated at the request of the vessel’s shipping agent, following a favorable opinion and operational consent from the terminal operator. The container ship was expected to remain moored at the Taranto port for several weeks. During the stop, commercial operations—specifically the unloading of containers—would take place. At the same time, technical work required to restore the propulsion system was to be carried out. To ensure the necessary safety standards throughout the vessel’s time at the berth, the Maritime Authority has established a continuous monitoring plan, tasking the local Mooring Men’s Group (Gruppo Ormeggiatori) with the specific duty of constantly checking the security of the moorings. Report with photos: https://www.shippingitaly.it/2026/10/30/approdata-in-sicurezza-a-taranto-la-maxi-portacontainer-di-msc-in-avaria/?fbclid=Iwb21leAVT_F1jbGNrBVP6_mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEfC-PzjhHbnCMWrhwRvOqFRRDDiSphqxYgyUK6z4S9gP-rZiYibuzC7fz5SZk_aem_H84VCyD1Do5tZlD_p48E_A
News
GEM NO.2
The oil spill from the 'Gem No. 2' off the coast of the United Arab Emirates has widened, satellite images showed, triggering more beach closures and raising environmental concerns.Images from the European Union's Copernicus satellite observation network dated Oct 24 showed the oil spill was reaching close to the shores of the northern Umm Al Quwain emirate, with dark layers of oil spreading at sea and along its coastline. Efforts were underway to contain the oil leaking from the tanker offshore. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment was conducting an environmental assessment. Authorities across various northern emirates responded to the spill by restricting access to coastal areas. All beaches and coastal areas around the city of Umm Al Quwain were temporarily closed, while authorities in neighbouring Sharjah shut access to Al Hamriyah Beach as a precaution. In Ras Al Khaimah all beaches in the emirate were closed until further notice on Oct 24. On Oct 30 thd authorities reported that the oil leakage could be stopped. Report with photos: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/oil-spill-off-uae-widens-satellite-images-show-prompting-more-beach-closures-2026-10-26/
MCC SHENZHEN
The 'MCC Shenzhen' was in collision with the fishing vessel KM 'Kawal Jaya 9' on Oct 30, 2026, at 4 23 a.m. off Bintan, north of Berakit in the Riau Islands province in pos. 01°31.7' N, 104°37.0' E. The fishing vessel was anchored following its operations, with several crew members resting on board. The collision caused damage to the side of the fishing vessel. One crew member, identified as 51-year-old Dinar, jumped into the water and went missing. There were 14 individuals on board the fishing vessel. The other 13 were rescued . The search operation for the missing involved Indonesian rescue teams, relevant maritime authorities, the marine police, and local fishermen. An investigation into the circumstances of the collision was underway.
PROSPECTOR 5
Three bodies have been found in the wreckage of the 'Prospector 5' on Oct 28. Two crew members were still missing. The Gabonese navy had located the bodies using an underwater robot, but has not yet been able to identify them. The images collected did not allow for the identification of the victims. Rescue teams were preparing to recover the bodies now. The Gabonese authorities confirmed the death of one Indian national on Oct 27. His body had not yet been recovered. The other victims were three Gabonese citizens and a Croatian national. The Gabonese authorities were in the process of recovering the bodies. A judicial inquiry was opened on Oct 25 in Tchibanga, alongside the technical investigations aimed at clarifying the circumstances of the sinking of the rig.
MAERSK LABREA
A search was underway for a crew member, who fell overboard from the 'Maersk Labrea', enroute from Santos to Tanger Med on Oct 29, 2026, off the coast of Mauritania. The last known position was 20°28.2' N 018°45.1' W. The ship was executing a distinct U-turn search pattern. Madrid Radio broadcast an urgent safety message. Vessels transiting through the area have been strongly advised to maintain extreme vigilance, keep a sharp lookout, and be prepared to provide immediate assistance. Any relevant sightings or reports should be coordinated directly with Madrid Radio or the nearest coastal station, such as Palma Radio. The ' Maersk Labrea' left the search area on Oct 31 and resumed its voyage with an ETA as of Nov 3.

